DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT SERIESMondays, August 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.Fridays, August 24 & 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Learn how to manage your diabetes by attending this four-session diabetes education program focusing on diet, nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, meal plans, prevention and treatment of diabetes complications, dining out and benefits of exercise. The program is taught by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian/certified diabetes educator. It will be held at The Center for Diabetes Education at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For information and to register for classes, call 732-923-5025. Program attendees will need a doctor's prescription and will be billed to Medicare or your insurance carrier.

ANTIBIOTICS AND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEMTuesday, August 4 from 11:15 a.m. to noon
Antibiotics are designed to fight infections within the body. However, many times our bodies become resistant to certain antibiotics due to over-use. This free event will teach attendees to identify when they should talk with their medical providers about antibiotics, and how they work with their immune systems to combat various illnesses and conditions. This event, for those ages 60 and older, is hosted by the Keyport Senior Center, located at 100 Second Avenue in Keyport. Registration is required by calling 732-264-4916. Free.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME - RED BANKTuesday, August 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Stop by the Monmouth/Ocean Safe kids Chapter table at this annual event. Spin the Safe Kids Wheel and answer a safety-related question to win a prize! There will be information about keeping children safe this summer. This event, sponsored by the Red Bank Police Department, Senator Jennifer Beck, and Red Bank FoodTown, and will take place at 90 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTuesday, August 4 at 4 p.m.
It can be overwhelming to choose the right level of therapy for yourself or a loved one during a hospitalization for a stroke, fracture or other life-altering event. During this one-hour session, Jill Garaffa, OTR/L, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, will discuss all levels of therapy including home therapy, in-patient acute and sub-acute rehabilitation and out-patient rehab and prepare you to make the best decision on rehabilitation for yourself or a family member. This program will take place at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tinton Falls, 1st floor conference room, located at 2 Centre Plaza in Tinton Falls. Registration is required by calling 732-460-5328. Free.

RESTORATIVE YOGATuesdays, August 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 6 p.m. andThursdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 26 at 11 a.m.
This group is for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis, offered every Tuesday evening and Thursday morning. Learn to relax the nervous system and rebalance the body and mind through breath work and restorative postures. The group will be held at the Cancer Support Community at Monmouth Medical Center, Suite ST-007, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Please call 732-923-6090 to register. Free.

JOINT REPLACEMENT INFORMATION SESSIONWednesday, August 5 at 5 p.m.
Do you have hip or knee pain? This free program for those considering hip or knee replacement surgery offers the latest information on hip and knee replacements including robotic-assisted partial knee and total hip replacement. Learn what to expect before and after surgery, how to prepare yourself to achieve the best possible outcome and receive an overview of The Joint Replacement Center program. This program will take place at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 732-923-7971. Free.

QI-GONGThursday, August 6, 13, 20 & 26 from 1 to 2 p.m.
By integrating physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention, Qi-Gong can help to reduce stress, build stamina and increase vitality. Join Maxine Guenther as she guides attendees to restore balance and re-establish the body/mind/spirit connection. This event, open to patients with a cancer diagnosis and caregivers of cancer patients, takes place at Monmouth Medical Center's Cancer Support Community Meeting Room, ST-007, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For more information or to register, please call 732-923-6090. Free.

GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND CELIAC DISEASEThursday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Gluten intolerance, which is generally associated with celiac disease, is caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, which is a component of wheat and some other grains. People with this sensitivity must keep a gluten-free diet to avoid a reaction, which might include stomach upset, eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma and even anaphylaxis. Join Nicole Cerillo, RD, from the Barnabas Health Kogan Celiac Center, to learn how easy it is to live a gluten-free lifestyle and how it can be beneficial for other health conditions beyond Celiac Disease. This presentation will take place at the Howell Senior Center located at 251 Preventorium Dr., in Howell. Registration is required in advance by calling 732-938-4500, ext. 2554. Free.

WEST END CRUISE NIGHTSaturday, August 15 from 6 to 10 p.m.
West End Cruise Night will be full of custom cars and entertainment. Make sure to stop by The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center's Safe kids Chapter table. Spin the Safe Kids Wheel and answer a safety-related question to win a prize. There will be information about keeping children safe this summer. The West End Cruise Night takes place on Brighton Avenue in Long Branch.

TU SELLO LATINO FESTSunday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monmouth Medical Center is proud to sponsor Tu Sello Latino, the second largest Latino festival in New Jersey. This festival is a fun family-oriented event celebrating Hispanic heritage, traditions, cultures, food and music. Come join the Community Health Education team from Monmouth Medical Center for free health screenings and make sure to stop by to The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center's Safe Kids Chapter table to spin the Safe Kids Wheel. All participants who spin will answer a safety-related question to win a prize. The event takes place at Atlantic Park (formerly Pleasure Bay Park), located at 275 Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch. For more information visit www.tusellolatino.com.

ASK THE ONCOLOGY NURSETuesday, August 18 at 2 p.m.
Professionally-led group held the third Tuesday of every month. This is an opportunity to have your questions and concerns addressed by an experienced oncology nurse facilitator. Pre-registration not required. Please feel free to drop in and bring a friend! Meets in ST-007, the Cancer Support Community at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. For questions or additional information, please call 732-923-6090. Free.

BELMAR CHASESaturday, August 22 at 8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Barnabas Health, the state's largest health care delivery system, the annual Belmar Chase 5K will take place on August 22. The event brings together more than 1,200 runners. A Kids Chase, a series of non-scored races for kids, will be held August 21 on the beach in Belmar. Each age group, from 2 to 14 years old has its own heats and there will be competitive races for 9 and 10-year-old boys and girls. Winners of the race will be crowned the Fastest Boy and Girl in Belmar. The race begins and ends at the corner of 6th and Ocean Avenues in Belmar.

N.J. BARIATRIC AND METABOLIC INSTITUTE (NJMBI) AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER: NEW PATIENT WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY LECTUREThursday, August 27 from 6 to 7 p.m.
If you are 100 pounds or more overweight, you can't afford to miss this physician-led educational lecture which will explain everything you need to know about weight-loss surgery. For those considering a bariatric procedure, this program, presented by Frank Borao, MD and Steven Binenbaum, MD, board-certified, laparoscopic-fellowship–trained surgeons, will offer the most up-to-date information on gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Attendees are invited to join the monthly support group following the lecture. This program will be held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. Registration is required by calling 1-888-724-7123 or by emailing teamlink@barnabashealth.org. Free.

PHYSICIANS' NIGHT AT THE LAKEWOOD BLUECLAWSThursday, August 27 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus are hosting Physicians' Night at the Lakewood Blue Claws. Meet MMC and MMCSC physicians while learning more about Monmouth Medical Center's services and programs. Stop by The Unterberg Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center's Safe Kids Chapter table for sports safety information to keep your young athletes active, healthy and injury free this summer. Night will take place at the Blue Claws Stadium, First Energy Park located 2 Stadium Way in Lakewood.

SAFE SITTERSaturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presented by certified Safe Sitter instructors, this program teaches 11- to 13-year-olds to be responsible, creative babysitters with special emphasis on how to handle emergencies. Participants will receive instruction materials, a program completion certificate and a subscription to Safe Sitter magazine. The class will end with a graduation ceremony, participants are asked to bring a mid-morning snack and a lunch. This course will be held at Monmouth Medical Center, located at 300 Second Avenue in Long Branch. To register, call 732-923-6992. $50 per child.